Ciscomani's Committee Proposed Cuts to Social Security Administration, Experts Warn of Drastic Consequences

TUCSON — Congressman Juan Cisocomani and his Republican colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee released a budget that experts warn could have significant negative consequences for Social Security recipients, including longer wait times and potential bankruptcy.

The committee's recently introduced appropriations bill would cut the “already underfunded” Social Security Administration by $183 million. 

According to Business Insider:

“And for some, the wait for benefits is more costly: A 2020 GAO report, which looked at fiscal years 2014 through 2018, found that around 48,000 Americans had to file for bankruptcy as they awaited a final decision on their disability appeals. Meanwhile, nearly 110,000 Americans died during the same period before they heard back on a final decision.

“‘More cuts to SSA will result in a rapid increase of wait times, force SSA offices to close in many communities, and reduce service hours to the public,’ Julie Tippens, the director of AFGE's legislative department, wrote in the letter.

“Similarly to what the AFGE said, the Office of Management and Budget found in March that should SSA funding be cut, it could take months longer for benefits to reach Social Security recipients, and they could experience worse customer service, as well.”

Congressman Ciscomani also voted for the Default on America Act which would have made drastic across-the-board cuts to services, including t0 the Social Security Administration, which would have resulted in longer wait times for recipients.

“Stripping money from the agency responsible for ensuring that Arizona seniors can receive their Social Security benefits in a timely manner makes no sense and threatens the financial security of millions of seniors on fixed incomes," said Honest Arizona executive director Andrea Moreno. "Congressman Ciscomani needs to stand up to his Republican colleagues and start fighting for the Arizonans he swore an oath to represent.”

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